DERRY TALKS BURNS AND UNIFYING TITLES

By Elliot Foster Jnr

Derry Mathews has admitted a world title unification showdown with Scotland’s Ricky Burns could well be on the agenda if all goes to plan this weekend – and he makes history by becoming the first Scouser to win world titles in two different weight divisions.

Mathews tackles unbeaten Italian Emiliano Marsili for the vacant IBO lightweight world belt on Friday night, in front of a hometown crowd at Liverpool’s Olympia theatre. And the former WBU featherweight ruler is also quick to praise those that have helped him get his career back in track.

The 28-year-old realises he still has it all to do against the imported southpaw, who boasts a lethal 23-0-1 record, yet he can't resist looking into the future after what he described as a ‘perfect’ fight camp.

“Ricky Burns has been mentioned, but not quite yet because he has a fight in March too,” offered Derry, when asked about what could be next if he manages to become the first man in 24 starts to defeat the Italian. “As you know, I’d never pull out of a fight. I’ve never ducked anybody; I’ve always taken the hard route. All the work that I’ve had to do has helped me in my return and where I am now. If a fight like that is offered to me, I’ll be the first to snap it up.”

Derry Mathews is in great spirits ahead of his IBO world title chance this weekend

He added: “I have a fantastic team behind me. On my return from retirement, I sorted out a mind coach in Brian McReady, somebody to fix my mind back on to boxing. I also have – in my opinion – the best coach in the world in Oliver Harrison and a great promoter in Steven Vaughan, and I just hope I can continue in the future the success that I’ve enjoyed most since making these changes.”

Never one to upset his fans or family inside the ring, Mathews is the same outside of it also, and as has almost become custom he also offers some reward for the coaches he’s left behind. “I left George and Danny Vaughan, as everyone knows, which was a hard decision for me to make because they were like a father and a brother to me. “But that decision, and my decision to take a break from the sport has all helped towards my return and moved me to where I am now.

“I’m in a better place now both inside and outside the ring, and on Friday night I get my reward for that hard work and the changes I put in place. I don’t intend on wasting all that effort when the bell rings.”

With Joe Selkirk and Paul Butler also now added to the exciting fight card, that was already packed out with plenty of talent raised on the Banks of the Mersey, Friday night’s show looks likely to be a raucous occasion.  

The action will also be screened live on TV courtesy of BoxNation, to which Derry acknowledged: “I’m delighted with it. It’s great for the added exposure of the small hall shows. I’m also delighted that Vaughan Boxing stuck to their word and I’ve stood by and believed in them from day one.

“Fighting on a Frank Warren show brings extra pressure. Added pressure than if it was any other promoter, as he is one of the very best in the world.”

* Tickets for Friday’s world title card are still available from the Olympia box office on 0151 2636633.